I Was Laid Off – Twice in One-Year

visiting Heights Mercantile — @thegypsywagon_houston

So the holidays season is the time to cut ties, huh? Yep, you read that correctly, I was laid off – Twice in One- year.

I won’t lie to you by trying to sugarcoat anything. The hours, days and months I was unemployed(the first time) were a complete mess. Everyone’s experience is different, for some getting a new job happens quick for others it doesn’t. For someone like me who works in one of the most competitive industries, yes marketing is such a high-demand but also competitive industry.

I applied, had interviews, calls, Skype interviews, in-person, did some gigs here and there.

I began to be a little more strategic in my approach I guess. I thought of different ways in which I could make myself stand out in a market that is somewhat highly populated. I thought of different places I could potentially move to that have jobs open in my field. I also contemplated taking a pay cut because some people weren’t willing to pay what I was actually making. My extroverted-introverted(Yes, it’s a thing) self networked as much as I could talking to different people from all walks of life.

None of it has been easy at all, what makes it all less overwhelming are my loved ones and the hustle. I read an article recently saying that millennials love side hustles. Most of my peers that I talk to are juggling more than one hustle or hobby as some might call it. I’m not knocking anyone’s game, but the hustles or hobbies are what might save you in your time of need. If this bump in the road doesn’t get you thinking, then maybe this advice will.

Put yourself first!This might sound a bit peculiar, but it was honestly the biggest lesson I have learned all year. You’re biggest investment is in yourself, your own wellbeing and sanity. This might also sound like a weird thing to say to someone who was just laid off, but it simply means that you should not put your own expectations on those around you, that whole ” it’s not you it’s me” saying might just be true in your case so don’t be so hard on yourself. “These jobs ain’t loyal” is probably my most overused quote when talking to people these days.

Don’t be so hard on yourself!
This is my new year resolution for myself. I think widely, long-term, “big picture” like, and that can cause me to be hard on myself most of the time. Not everyone’s path is the same, honestly there’s no set path or guide. I’ve had time to do a lot of thinking, some of which have changed my belief in certain things but more importantly have strengthened me even more.

Surround yourself with positivity, and cut out the negativity!I began to question my career path, but in the end I found myself back in the same place. I can’t see myself doing anything else really, I guess. You’re already feeling beat, so try not to put yourself in even more negative light. I realize that’s not always possible, but for me cutting down the unnecessary stresses has helped a lot.

Maintain a positive outlook!Once I changed my view of what was happening and what I could do about it things started looking up, I had never considered part-time jobs, freelancing, or temporary jobs until I got to a point where it was do or die(well maybe I’m exaggerating here). A negative outlook yields more negativity, and a positive outlook yields more positivity. So stay positive & and consider all the possible avenues that you could take.

Mama said save for a rainy day!I’m sure you have heard this one before, but it is so true. My frustration was high, but because I had a little something stashed away for a rainy day like this one, I managed. I was stuck in a lease I couldn’t get out off and nothing was really going right in my career. Although, it is still frustrating not knowing when it will all come to an end, I am hopeful for the future wherever it may lead.

Have you ever experienced this? How did you deal? I’d love to hear your advice and stories.

My three side hustles, allowed me to survive when my job asked me to move. When I said, no to moving I was without a job. I decided to take a six month sabbatical. I got creative with how I was generating income. While living in DC, my apt was on Air BnB. I simplified my life, by selling a lot of things and said yes to all random jobs. Money is money & ego is the enemy when you gotta survive. I also took a solid look at my life & asked myself what I really wanted to do. So now I am on the track to doing what I want to do, on my terms. Good luck Amiga, you got this!

Thank you so much Abby. That is definitely true ” ego is the enemy” lol
You have no idea how much of a blessing you were for me this year, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things you have planned <3

Thank you so much for sharing this! I actually started my blog when I was in between jobs and no one was hiring me…however, I did not write about my experience because it was too “real” and I guess I didn’t want people to really know what was happening behind the scenes. Your transparency is most appreciated and your desire to find a job will most definitely pay off. Best of luck with everything!!